NBA Player News

Durant has been on a tear recently, scoring 26 points or more in three straight games while shooting over 50 percent from the field in each. Seven three-pointers were included in his gaudy stat line on Monday, tying his season-high. Over the past week, Durant has provided top-5 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. And with the Suns playing three more games during Week 21 with no back-to-backs, this is an excellent time to have Durant rostered.

Gafford will play for the first time since February 9, and he will immediately return to the starting unit. He’ll replace Kai Jones as the starting center, but Gafford is on a 15-20 minutes restriction. Jones should still play a significant role off the bench.

Lowry hasn’t suited up since February 9, but there is a chance that he returns to the lineup against New York. Lowry wasn’t playing a significant role prior to his injury, but the 76ers’ rotation looks entirely different now. It’s unclear what his role will look when he returns to the lineup.

McCollum suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23, and he won’t suit up again this season. He has already missed the Pelicans’ last three games, and there is no reason for him to play through any ailments since their trying to improve their lottery odds. Jose Alvarado will continue to start at point guard for the rest of the season.

Williamson has already missed the Pelicans’ last five games, and he will remain sidelined for the final two weeks of the regular season. He suffered a low back bone contusion on March 19, and with New Orleans looking to improve their lottery odds, there is no reason for Williamson to play through any injury. Bruce Brown should continue to start for the rest of the season when available.

Williams will be back after missing Saturday’s game against Indiana. However, with both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein available, Williams won’t play enough to make a significant contribution in standard leagues.

Both Thunder big men were initially listed as questionable with hip injuries, but ultimately the pair of frontcourt players will be available Monday against the Bulls. Holmgren’s availability is particularly encouraging as he’s managing a hip injury that sidelined for three months earlier this season.

Tillman is listed as the starter in place of Jaylen Brown, who is sidelined with a knee injury. It is a surprise that Tillman gets the nod instead of Al Horford or Sam Hauser, but this doesn’t mean Tillman will play enough to warrant a streaming spot; he played just six minutes in his only other start this season.

Shannon Jr. will miss a third-straight game, but the difference in this one is that he won’t be given the questionable tag before being ruled out. Jaylen Clark and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue to take on a few extra minutes with Shannon Jr. sidelined.

As expected, Martin will suit up against Brooklyn. However, he only played six minutes on Saturday after playing 17 minutes on Thursday. Martin has not been productive since being traded to the Mavs, and that is unlikely to change on Monday.

Lively was upgraded to questionable ahead of this game, but his return will be delayed for at least one more game. Lively hasn’t suited up since January 14, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported he is “trending toward” a return later this week. That is backed up by his questionable tag. If it’s not Wednesday against the Hawks, Lively could play in one leg of the Mavs’ mini-series with the Clippers on Friday and Saturday. With Daniel Gafford returning on Monday, Kai Jones could be pushed out of the rotation soon.